Syphilis Brochure

Syphilis

Is an infection that is caused by bacteria and it can affect anyone. Many people who have syphilis don’t know it since it may lack symptoms. However, it is easy to treat and cure, when untreated it is serious.

How could I get syphilis?

The bacteria that causes syphilis is spread through body fluids.

Syphilis can be spread through

Having sex with an infected person without protection (oral, anal or vaginal)

from an infected woman to her baby during birth

What are the symptoms of syphilis?

Syphilis has four stages – primary, secondary, latent and tertiary

Primary Stage:

May have a painless sore, or may be lacking

If not treated it progresses to the next stage

Secondary stage:

May have a rash on your hands, feet or other parts of your body

This rash is not itchy or painful

You may have fever, sore throat, muscle pain, headache, hair loss

If not treated, it progresses to next stage

Latent Stage:

This stage has no symptoms, although you are still infected. It can stay at this stage for many years.